DOGFIGHT Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

dogfight

noun

ˈdȯg-ˌfīt

Definition of dogfight

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the playful competition over who would get the new office turned into a real dogfight

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dogfight There’s also a four-player battle mode where players can team up as Star Fox or the evil Star Wolf team and engage in massive dogfights through space. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 June 2026 Dassault’s Mirage fighter – and more recently the Rafale – can creep into enemy airspace, dogfight, drop bombs and launch cruise missiles. — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 The aim is to produce crews capable of handling complex multi-domain battlespaces rather than isolated dogfights. — David Szondy may 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2026 Using the latest version of Epic’s Unreal Engine, each Smugglers Run locale is heavily detailed, putting us in more of a dogfight as the Mandalorian chases down pirates and ex-Imperial officers. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dogfight

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogfight

Noun

The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry, which originated in 1892, has waned a bit in recent years as the Milwaukee Brewers have taken control of the National League Central.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

The Throne Room Duel & A-Wing comes with two battle podiums, where the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader minifigures can be placed to have an epic lightsaber duel.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
And this game will be the first Border War duel in Lawrence since 2005, a Friday night game on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

— PJ Green August 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

Contrast that with eventual EFL champions Coventry City (48 in 49 in all competitions) and Championship runners-up Ipswich Town (50 in 49).

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Soaring temperatures are forcing drastic measures in Europe, where successive heatwaves are straining an economy already under pressure from US tariffs, Chinese competition and higher energy prices because of the Iran war.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

Throughout the years, Panettiere spoke openly about her struggles with addiction.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Panettiere has long been candid about her struggles navigating child stardom and fame, often opening up about her experiences with severe postpartum depression (PPD), addiction, and anxiety.

— Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Some have been Ukrainian drones knocked off course by Russian electronic warfare, such as the jamming of navigation signals, which can make their flight paths unpredictable and complicate decisions about whether and where to shoot them down.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
But by repeating the training scenario throughout the two-week exercise, US Army troops got better at figuring out how to disperse and hide from the drones while using countermeasures such as electronic warfare.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of warfare

Noun

But last year, their relationship blew up amid a turf war over CPS employees.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
While pursuing conservative, anti-migrant policies domestically, Meloni adopted a pragmatic approach toward the European Union and became one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in its war against Russia.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of war

Noun

Authorities have not identified the suspect and are continuing to investigate what led to the confrontation.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
The Mughal right wing avoided direct confrontation with the elephants and instead attacked Hemu’s troops on the sides.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

dogfaces

dogfight

dogfights

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“Dogfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogfight. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dogfight

noun

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